Smile (1936)

Turner/Parsons/Chaplin

You'll find that life is still worthwhile,

If you just smile.

Smile, though your heart is aching,

Smile, even though it's breaking,

When there are clouds in the sky

You'll get by

If you smile

through your fear and sorrow,

Smile, and maybe tomorrow,

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness,

Hide every trace of sadness,

Although a tear may be ever so near,

That's the time

You must keep on trying,

Smile, what's the use of crying,

You'll find that life is still worthwhile,

If you just smile.

This post goes out to my mom, who left us in August, one year ago today. It was her favorite song. Bordering on the maudlin, drippingly emotional, Smile is one of most played songs at funerals, I found out recently. I have known for years that Charles Chaplin, the funny little man of silent screen was the tunesmith (written for the movie Modern Times); lyrics were added later. It is perhaps the song which is most associated with Nat King Cole. Recently it became popular to a new generation of fans when it was revealed that Smile was Michael Jackson's favorite song. My mother was a "tough old bird," in the words of one friend. But she was also a sentimentalist and loved beautiful, sad music. Mom, we love you and will miss you always.